Delray Beach Hit and Run Lawyer

A person could be charged with a hit and run offense for leaving the scene of an auto accident without providing contact and insurance information. The penalties for the offense could include a potential jail sentence depending on the circumstances of the accident. Accused individuals should try to defend themselves in a Court of law, however, doing so without legal assistance could have a negative impact on their case.

If you have been charged with committing a hit and run or leaving the scene of an  accident, one of our experienced Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could review the evidence against you and build a convincing defense on your behalf. Get in touch with a Delray Beach hit and run Lawyer for a free initial consultation today.

Duty to Provide Information and Render Aid After a Crash

The Florida Statutes require drivers involved in a vehicle crash to provide their contact and insurance information to the owners of any vehicles or property that were damaged, to any individuals who were injured, or to a police or law enforcement officer on the scene. Leaving the scene of a vehicular crash without providing the required information could result in arrest, criminal charges, and prosecution. Information required to be provided by law includes:

• Driver’s name
• Driver’s address
• Registration number of vehicle
• Display driver’s license or permit upon request
• Insurance company name and policy number

Rendering aid includes making arrangements for the injured person to be transported to a doctor or hospital where medical care can be provided. The law requires individuals to render aid to anyone who has been injured as a result of a crash.

A hit and run Lawyer in Delray Beach could answer questions about the legal duty to provide information and render aid following an automobile crash. An Attorney could also help you fight any allegations of failing to provide the appropriate information following a crash.

Remaining at the Scene of an Accident

The Florida Statutes mandate that drivers involved in a vehicular crash resulting in damage to another vehicle or property or bodily injury to another person must immediately stop their vehicle and remain at the scene. At a minimum, drivers must remain at the scene until after all information required by law has been provided to the appropriate individuals and aid has been rendered. A hit and run Attorney in Delray Beach could answer questions about the legal requirements to remain at the scene of an accident involving property damage or bodily injury.

Hit and Run Penalties

The penalties for hit and run vary based on the extent of a person’s injuries or damage. Failure to remain at the scene of a crash resulting in damage to another vehicle or property is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in Jail and a $500 fine.

Failing to stay at an accident in which another person sustained minor injuries is a third-degree Felony punishable by up to five years in Jail and a $5,000 fine. If a serious bodily injury occurred, the offense would be charged as a second-degree Felony punishable by up to 15 years in Prison and a $10,000 fine.

Leaving the scene of a vehicular crash in which another person died is a first-degree Felony. The penalty is a mandatory minimum Prison term of four years with the possibility of serving up to 30 years, as well as a $10,000 fine. A Lawyer in Delray Beach can answer specific questions about the penalties for hit and run offenses.

Importance of Legal Representation in Hit and Run Cases

Hit and run charges are often more serious than people initially realize. Even when the accident involves relatively minor property damage, prosecutors may aggressively pursue criminal penalties if they believe a driver intentionally left the scene without complying with Florida law. Once bodily injury is involved, the legal consequences can increase dramatically.

Many individuals make statements to law enforcement shortly after the accident without fully understanding how those statements may later be used against them. In some situations, drivers panic, become confused, or leave the scene temporarily without intending to avoid responsibility. However, prosecutors may still interpret those actions as evidence of criminal intent.

An experienced Attorney in Delray Beach can review whether law enforcement properly investigated the case, whether the driver was accurately identified, and whether the evidence actually proves the person knowingly left the scene unlawfully. Surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, vehicle damage analysis, and accident reconstruction may all become important factors during the defense process.

In certain cases, there may be legitimate explanations for why a driver left the area. For example, a person may not have realized an accident or any damages  occurred, may have feared for his or her safety, or may have sought emergency assistance before contacting authorities. The specific facts surrounding the incident often matter significantly.

A criminal conviction for hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident can have consequences beyond fines or incarceration. A person may face driver’s license suspension, increased insurance costs, difficulty maintaining employment, or damage to their professional reputation. Felony convictions may also affect future housing opportunities, educational options, and firearm rights.

At Leifert & Leifert, we work closely with clients to examine every aspect of the case and develop a defense strategy tailored to the circumstances involved. Early legal representation can help protect your rights while reducing the risk of costly mistakes during the investigation process.

Unattended Vehicle and Property Hit and Run Offenses

Not all hit and run cases involve injuries or occupied vehicles. Florida law also imposes legal obligations when a driver damages an unattended vehicle or other property. These cases are sometimes treated less seriously by drivers, but they can still lead to criminal charges and lasting consequences.

If a driver strikes an unattended vehicle, mailbox, fence, sign, parked car, or other property, Florida law requires the driver to stop and make a reasonable effort to locate the owner. If the owner cannot be located, the driver must leave identifying information in a conspicuous place and notify law enforcement when appropriate.

Required information generally includes the driver’s name, address, and vehicle registration number. Simply leaving the area without attempting to provide this information may result in misdemeanor criminal charges.

Many unattended vehicle hit and run investigations begin after witnesses record a license plate number, surveillance cameras capture the incident, or property owners report the damage to police. Parking lots, residential neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and commercial properties frequently use video surveillance systems that may become evidence in these cases.

Drivers are sometimes surprised to learn that even relatively minor damage can still trigger criminal allegations. A low-speed collision involving a parked vehicle or property may still result in arrest if prosecutors believe the driver knowingly failed to comply with legal reporting requirements.

Defending unattended vehicle hit and run allegations often involves examining whether the driver reasonably knew damage occurred, whether sufficient evidence identifies the vehicle involved, and whether law enforcement properly handled the investigation.

At Leifert & Leifert, we understand that not every hit and run allegation involves intentional wrongdoing. Our Attorneys work to protect clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges arising from Delray Beach hit and run investigations.

Contact a Delray Beach Hit and Run Attorney Immediately

You are not alone in dealing with an investigation or criminal charges for a hit and run. A Delray Beach hit and run Lawyer could be on your side, protecting your rights. An Attorney can also help you gather any evidence that would support your defense, interview parties on your behalf, and guide you through the criminal process throughout the case. To get started on your case, be sure to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert today.